Lady In Black: Romantic Suspense

            "Are those karate exercises?" Reid asked.
            His casual tone didn't fool Margaret. "A little judo, a little aikido, a little karate. My martial arts master teaches me whatever he thinks I can handle."
            "What do you do it for?"
            "Sir, I'm a butler for your grandfather. He is a very wealthy man. It behooves me to be able to protect your grandfather -- and myself -- should the situation arise." She was patient. Deliberate. Irritated.
            Reid shrugged out of his shirt and hung it on the stationary bicycle. "What would you do if you found a greedy anarchist prowling around?" 
            The thought made her tense. Reid made her tense. "He'd better be a superior fighter."
            "Isn't that likely?" Reid's belt swooshed out of his belt loops. 
            Margaret suddenly remembered that she was here to train. One fist against her chest, one fist outstretched, she switched hands in a lunging punch. Left, right, left, right: ignore, the man, without, the clothes. "Only too likely. That's why I practice."
            "Do you fight in your classes?" He clenched one fist, watching as the cords of his wrists tightened. "Bouts with your classmates? Your teacher?"
            "Of course." The rasp of his zipper echoed loudly in the room.
            Okay. Enough was enough. Margaret snapped, "What are you doing?" 
            "I have a little martial arts training. I wouldn't mind a bout." He flung his pants after his other apparel and stood in his shorts and socks. 
            Most men would look stupid. 
            Reid looked like the man she wanted standing in her bedroom.